On April 23-24, more than 5,000 Iowa FFA members and guests will attend the 84th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference in Ames, Iowa to celebrate the accomplishments of FFA members and agricultural education. During this event, members will compete in Career Development Events and be recognized for accomplishments in their communities and local chapters.

Service is a key part of FFA and thanks to a partnership with the Iowa FFA Foundation, Iowa Food and Family Project, and Cargill; more than 250,000 meals will be packaged by progressive agriculturalists, united by the cause of helping the devastated citizens of Haiti. During this “Meals from the Heartland” service project, agricultural students, farmers, adults, and others will join together for the greater means of fighting world hunger. Please join us in Hilton Coliseum in Ames on the evening of April 22 and morning of April 24 this event makes state history.

FFA is an integral part of agricultural education. Agricultural instructors encourage students to take the knowledge and skills they have acquired in class and apply to FFA event, such as the career development events, which help students explore a career interest in agriculture. Members of the State FFA Officer Team are ambassadors for agriculture and the FFA for one year. They are elected in April and spend the year promoting FFA and agriculture education throughout the state. Each officer is elected at the state FFA convention by Iowa FFA members.

The Iowa FFA Association is comprised of more than 220 local chapters preparing more than 12,500 students for careers in agriculture. FFA activities and award programs complement instruction in agriculture education by giving students practical experience in the application of agricultural skills and knowledge gained in classes. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.